Located in three restored brownstones on the Upper East Side, the purpose of this project was to first study and analyze libraries, our bodies while reading, and the physical and electronic book.
The concept of the library was inspired by the community created around food, as well as the diversity of the food and culture in New York City. The purpose of the library is to collect and preserve family recipes, as well as to teach and educate children and adults. A restaurant in the library is used as an education tool as well, both for the diners and the chefs.
Layering is an important aspect of food, culinary history, and our synesthetic perception of the world around us. This library takes that idea and applies it to the space itself through a variety of methods, conceptually and visually. The modern space within the historic location, the gradient of visual connections between different areas, the dualities of the use of spaces, and the interactions that are created from them layer together to create a depth and richness of ‘flavor.’
First Floor Reading Nook
Cellar Level
lecture hall, refrigeration, pantry, freezer, mechanical
Garden Level
classrooms, learning kitchen, staff, herb garden with outdoor learning kitchen
Parlor Level
lobby, coat check, information, reading book, staff
Second Level
gallery, archives, learning kitchen, reference librarian
Third Level
archives, learning kitchen
Fourth Level
restaurant
Bulkhead
outdoor seating for restaurant, mechanical
View Through Lobby
Lobby Elevation
Third Floor Reading Nook
Elevation of Restaurant
The walls are covered in paper, as a continuation of the shelving concept from the lower levels, as well as a paper “chandelier” to create a light and ethereal feel to the space.